Preschoolers march through city
For many Belizeans, it is their first contact with formal education. All the more reason then that preschool education needs to get off on the right foot. News 5’s Jacqueline Woods took to the streets this morning where Belize City’s pre-schoolers were on the move.
Dativa Martinez, Coordinator, Preschool Parade
“It seem to me that almost everybody has a particular time where they get to be focussed on. There’s women, there’s Scouts, policemen, even prisoners nowadays have their own week. And I think why not have a special month put aside for our children.”
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
The boys and girls, no older than five, paraded from the Court House Wharf to the Memorial Park. The preschoolers did not seem to mind the hot sun, but came out by the numbers so their little voices could be heard. The first message the children delivered was one we should all remember, especially during this time when political tensions may be high.
Children singing
“I love you, you love me, we’re a happy family…”
Approximately two thousand three hundred children from twenty-six preschools in Belize City participated in the annual parade. The event is one of many that will be held to observe Child Stimulation Month. This year, the focus is Quality Early Stimulation: Foundation For Belize’s Development.
Dativa Martinez
“Lots of times people tend to ignore children at this age, and this is when the brain is actually developing. And so the focus on early and quality stimulation is for us to give that brain the early training so that it opens up for more learning in the future.”
Some teachers used the occasion to spread other healthy messages to the public.
Sharon Baird, Teacher, Lloyd Coffin Preschool
“Jackie, we are a part of the healthy schools campaign, and since it was a fruit parade, I though it would have been a good idea to promote what we are trying to instil in the children and parents, that eating fruits is very healthy.”
Jacqueline Woods
“How long did it take you guys to do it?”
Sharon Baird
“I would say an hour and a half this morning, but the preparations started long before.”
Not only did teachers and students take part; it was equally encouraging to see for the second consecutive year, the large number of parents who took the time to participate in the event.
Dativa Martinez
“I think we started to see a trend from last year where there were many more fathers coming out and I’ve noticed again today that there seem to be a lot of dads coming out. So I am hoping that we will continue to see this trend until we have you know, couples with their kids on this day.”
At the end of the rally, the preschoolers were treated to refreshments. Jacqueline Woods for News 5.
Other activities planned for Child Stimulation Month include arts and crafts displays, a parents day, open days and fun days.
